When visiting Sapporo, be sure to try the local specialties such as Soup Curry, Genghis Khan, and Crab, which showcase the city's unique blend of Japanese and international flavors.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Sapporo's cuisine is defined by its location on the northern island of Hokkaido, where the city's proximity to the sea and its cold climate have shaped the local food culture. The city's cuisine is heavily influenced by Japanese, Chinese, and Russian flavors, resulting in a unique fusion of dishes. Seafood is a staple in Sapporo's cuisine, with fresh catches from the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean. The city is also famous for its Soup Curry, which is a popular comfort food dish that originated in Sapporo.
Sapporo's food culture is also characterized by its regional variations, with different districts and neighborhoods offering their own specialty dishes. For example, the Susukino district is known for its Genghis Khan dish, which is a type of Japanese-style barbecue that originated in Hokkaido. The city's Central Market is also a great place to try local specialties, such as fresh seafood and local produce.
The city's cuisine is also influenced by its seasonal festivals, such as the Sapporo Snow Festival, which features a variety of winter-themed dishes, including hot chocolate and snow crab. The Sapporo Summer Festival also showcases the city's summer specialties, such as corn on the cob and grilled lamb.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soup Curry | Japanese curry | A Japanese-style curry soup made with vegetables, meat or seafood, and served with rice | Local restaurants, such as Soup Curry Garako |
| Genghis Khan | Japanese barbecue | A type of Japanese-style barbecue that originated in Hokkaido, typically featuring lamb or beef | Susukino district, Genghis Khan restaurants |
| Crab | Seafood | Fresh crab dishes, such as crab legs or crab soup | Central Market, seafood restaurants |
| Jingisukan | Japanese barbecue | A type of Japanese-style barbecue that features lamb or beef, typically served with a sweet sauce | Local restaurants, such as Jingisukan Daruma Honten |
| Sapporo Ramen | Japanese noodle soup | A type of Japanese noodle soup made with pork or chicken broth, noodles, and toppings | Ramen shops, such as Sapporo Ramen Kyowakoku |
| Ishikari Nabe | Japanese hot pot | A type of Japanese hot pot made with seafood, vegetables, and a savory broth | Local restaurants, such as Ishikari Nabe Bettei |
| Sanma Nabe | Japanese hot pot | A type of Japanese hot pot made with Pacific saury and vegetables | Local restaurants, such as Sanma Nabe Kanpai |
| Torisashi | Japanese sashimi | A type of Japanese sashimi made with fresh chicken, typically served with soy sauce and wasabi | Local restaurants, such as Torisashi Toriki |
| Kaisen Don | Japanese seafood bowl | A type of Japanese seafood bowl made with fresh seafood, such as salmon and tuna, served over rice | Sushi restaurants, such as Kaisen Don Sushi Dai |
| Hakodate Men | Japanese noodles | A type of Japanese noodle dish made with pork or chicken broth, noodles, and toppings | Local restaurants, such as Hakodate Menya |
Street Food & Snacks
- Grilled corn on the cob, a popular summer snack, typically costs around $3-4 USD
- Fresh seafood skewers, such as salmon or scallops, typically cost around $5-6 USD
- Ramen burgers, a unique fusion of Japanese noodle soup and Western-style burgers, typically cost around $6-7 USD
- Mochi ice cream, a Japanese-style ice cream made with mochi and green tea, typically costs around $4-5 USD
- Senbei, a type of Japanese crackers made with soy sauce and sea salt, typically costs around $2-3 USD
- Imuraya Confectionery, a popular Japanese sweets shop offering manju and daifuku, typically costs around $5-6 USD
- Fresh fruit, such as apples and grapes, typically costs around $3-4 USD
- Japanese-style crepes, filled with sweet or savory ingredients, typically costs around $5-6 USD
Drinks
- Sapporo Beer, a popular Japanese beer brewed in Sapporo, typically costs around $5-6 USD
- Japanese green tea, a traditional Japanese tea made with green tea leaves, typically costs around $2-3 USD
- Ramune, a Japanese soft drink made with lemon-lime flavor and a unique bottle design, typically costs around $2-3 USD
- Umeshu, a Japanese plum wine made with plums and shochu, typically costs around $10-12 USD
- Shochu, a Japanese spirit made with barley or sweet potato, typically costs around $10-12 USD
- Matcha latte, a Japanese-style latte made with green tea and milk, typically costs around $4-5 USD
Dining Customs
- Table manners: it is customary to wait for the host to start eating before beginning your meal
- Chopstick etiquette: it is impolite to leave your chopsticks standing upright in your rice bowl, as this is reminiscent of a funeral ritual
- Tipping: not customary, as service charges are usually included
- Reservations: recommended for popular restaurants, especially during peak travel seasons
- Dress code: casual dress is acceptable for most restaurants, but some high-end establishments may require formal attire
- Eating with your hands: acceptable for some types of food, such as ramen or sushi, but not for others, such as tempura or kaiseki
Where to Eat
- Central Market: a great place to try local specialties, such as fresh seafood and local produce
- Susukino district: known for its Genghis Khan restaurants and Japanese barbecue
- Ramen shops: popular for Sapporo Ramen and other types of Japanese noodle soup
- Sushi restaurants: offering a variety of sushi and sashimi dishes
- Food courts: offering a range of Japanese and international cuisine, such as tempura and udon
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Central Market: a great place to try local specialties, such as fresh seafood and local produce, located in the heart of Sapporo
- Sapporo Beer Museum: offering beer tastings and brewery tours, located in the Higashi-ku district
- Sapporo Clock Tower: a historic landmark offering coffee and snacks, located in the Chuo-ku district
- Nijo Market: a smaller market offering fresh seafood and local produce, located in the Chuo-ku district
- Sapporo Summer Festival: a seasonal festival featuring food stalls and live music, typically held in July and August, located in the Odori district